Method for initializing an anti-theft system of a motor vehicle

Abstract

A number (n) of keys is assigned to an anti-theft system. In order to initialize the anti-theft system, at least the number minus one (n−1) keys must be present so that new coding data can be formed using the previous coding data. During the initialization, the number of all the authorized keys is written into each key. If the vehicle is stolen, the insurer of the vehicle can thus compare the number of authorized keys with the keys that are actually submitted.

I claim:  
     
       1. A method for initializing an anti-theft system of a motor vehicle, the anti-theft system having a total number of portable electronic keys which, when required, each independently emit a code signal as an authentication signal, the code signal being received by an electronic lock in the motor vehicle and compared with a setpoint code signal being one of stored and generated in the lock, the method which comprises: 
       performing an initialization of the portable electronic keys and of the lock, which includes:  
       choosing a new total number of all the portable electronic keys assigned to a lock of an anti-theft system;  
       forming new coding data, the new coding data being formed using code signals from all but one, of the previous portable electronic keys and using code signals from the lock;  
       storing the new coding data together with the new total number of the portable electronic keys, in all of the portable electronic keys and in the lock; and  
       deactivating all the previously valid coding data in the portable electronic keys and in the lock.  
     
     
       2. The method according to claim  1 , which comprises storing the new coding data as one of a mathematical algorithm and a binary coded signal in the portable electronic keys, the lock, and a central database. 
     
     
       3. The method according to claim  1 , which comprises deleting the previously valid coding data and the new coding data in the lock if the new total number (x) of the portable electronic keys has not been initialized. 
     
     
       4. The method according to claim  1 , which comprises reading out the new total number (x) of the portable electronic keys out of a memory if proof of authorization is provided. 
     
     
       5. The method according to claim  1 , which comprises storing at least one of a date and a time, together with the new total number (x) of the portable electronic keys in all of the portable electronic keys and in the lock. 
     
     
       6. The method according to claim  1 , which comprises transmitting the previously valid coding data of each of the portable electronic keys to the lock. 
     
     
       7. The method according to claim  1 , which comprises transmitting coding data of a diagnostic unit which can be connected to the motor vehicle to the lock. 
     
     
       8. The method according to claim  1 , which comprises: 
       transmitting the previously valid coding data of each of the portable electronic keys to the lock; and  
       transmitting coding data of a diagnostic unit which can be connected to the motor vehicle to the lock.  
     
     
       9. The method according to claim  1 , which comprises transmitting coding data telemetrically from a central database to the lock. 
     
     
       10. The method according to claim  1 , which comprises transmitting coding data telemetrically from a central database to a diagnostic unit.